KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Renault Kwid facelift plans delayed
- After Renault Triber and Kiger updates, the hatchback to continue just as it is
- Move follows the stronger demand for SUVs over hatchbacks
Renault has been on a product offensive in India, refreshing the Triber and Kiger in quick succession. However, the brand's most affordable hatchback, the Renault Kwid, won't be getting a facelift anytime soon. Despite being one of Renault's earliest success stories in India, the Kwid has now taken a back seat in the company's plans as the market continues to shift towards SUVs. Read on to have a deeper insight into what made this delay and the shift in approach, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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No Renault Kwid Facelift In Sight Anytime Soon
The Renault Kwid last received a facelift back in 2019, making the current model nearly six years old. With sales now averaging below 1,000 units per month, the hatchback is no longer a volume driver for the brand. Speaking in an interview, Venkatram Mamillapalle, Managing Director of Renault India, confirmed that the company's upcoming launches will be under the Renault.Rethink strategy includes the refreshed Triber, the updated Kiger, an all-new Duster-based 5-seater SUV, and later, a 7-seater derivative. A Kwid update, however, has not been planned for at least the next two years.
Why No Update?
The entry-level hatchback segment has been steadily shrinking, with Maruti Suzuki maintaining a near-monopoly. Rising costs, growing consumer preference for SUVs, and the increasing popularity of used cars have made it difficult for other manufacturers to justify investment in budget hatchbacks. While Renault has tested updated versions of the Kwid abroad, India will not be a priority market for such revisions. However, the hatchback could receive subtle tweaks, like the new Renault logo that now comes with both the Triber and Kiger.
Kwid To Stay On Sale
That said, Renault isn't pulling the plug on the Kwid. Mamillapalle stressed that the hatchback will remain on sale to ensure Renault covers the A-segment, even if no major updates are planned. Some minor feature enhancements, such as additional airbags or cosmetic tweaks, could still trickle in over time.
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Renault Kwid: Where It Stands Today
Launched in 2015, the Kwid was once a core part of Renault's India portfolio, offering SUV-inspired styling at an affordable price. Currently priced between Rs. 4.70 lakh and Rs. 6.50 lakh, the Kwid is powered by a 68hp, 1.0-litre petrol engine with manual and AMT gearbox options. However, with rivals like the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter offering SUV credentials at competitive prices, the Kwid's charm has waned.
Verdict
The Renault Kwid may not see a facelift in the near future, but it isnt going away just yet. For buyers looking at a budget-friendly hatchback with SUV-inspired styling, it remains a value-for-money option. However, Renaults focus is clearly shifting towards SUVs like the next-gen Duster, which are expected to bring in higher volumes. For now, the Kwid will continue unchanged, holding its ground in an increasingly SUV-obsessed market.
Source- Autocar
